The Hunchback's Perfect Family ✔

7 THE FALL

Catch her.

Pest opened his mouth to shout it, but nothing came out. Fanli slammed into the last branch then landed with a thud and he was too frightened to move.

She didn't move either.

Tears welled in Pest's eyes, then confusion. Ogres were so strong.

It took some time for his body to defrost, and he climbed down. He was already wiping his eyes when he reached the final branch adjacent to the one she'd broken.

Pest didn't jump down, instead, he stared at her, willing her to move, to make a sound, something.

If not for the bulge on her arm where the bee'd stung her, he would have taken her for—

"Oh, wow. She's dead for sure now."

Pest whipped his head around but found no one. Night was coming but he scanned the barren forest for any signs of the voice, for any help.

Another echo came. "Won't be long now."

Instead of the dull numbness, Pest's heart spiked, and he jumped down and held Fanli's face.

"Fan!" She didn't move. In fact, she looked totally and utterly—

"Dead? No. Not yet anyway. How long you figure?"

"Oh, 'bout an hour lessin he move. But he won't. Fairies don't care for others. Yeah?"

The swelling spread, now reaching her entire arm.

Pest went behind her and pushed her to sit. She was heavy and it wasn't his imagination. Ogres carried a lot of weight but this felt more akin to a—

"Troll." Pest scanned the forest. "Are you lot trolls?"

"Well, of course we're trolls. Who else would be out so close to dark?"

Pest stood, searching for them but came up empty.

Moving Fanli was impossible, so he said, "I command you to help her!"

One snicker came then another.

"Command?"

"Did you hear? The human commands us?"

Pest's blood boiled. "I'm Fae."

The leaves rolled back, and a frightful face darted out. "You give no commands to us, boy. We've seen what you've done. The fairies've seen what you've done!"

Recoiling, Pest moved with Fanli as best he could.

After the booming shout died, all went quiet.

Fairies.

Pest put Fanli to rest and stood fully, hands at his sides.

"I—I'm part Fae. I need help."

Only the shrinking daylight answered him.

It came in a chorus finally. "No rescue. No help."

"Fairies do not rescue."

"We bargain."

"You've wronged this ogre."

"You suffer the consequences."

"Alone."

The taunt shouldn't have hurt but it did. It sounded like something his father'd say. Fanli started to breathe. What was once shallow breaths came back ragged.

Pest stared down at her then shot into action. Getting her up wouldn't be easy but he needed only put her on his back.

"Oh. He's trying," a troll marveled.